Convention, arts center in works

Disbanding the Millbrae Police Department would likely save the city about $693,000 in a $12 million budget while adding officers, but a police proposal would also add patrol and keep a local law enforcement identity, which some residents want.

Hershman did not hint at his potential vote, but said the council, "will strive to take the actions in the best interests of our citizens."

BART, SamTrans and the city are studying the possibility of a performing arts and convention center, which is expected to be made public in the next eight weeks in a larger report on development around Millbrae station.

Taxes from tourism last year represented about 18 percent of the city's roughly $13 million budget, and is expected to bring about 21 percent this year. City Manager Ralph Jaeck said on Thursday he hoped to raise it.

A convention center near the BART station would be also be accessible by Caltrain, Highway 101 and San Francisco International Airport, and Hershman said it could only help fill Millbrae hotels like Comfort Inn and Quality Suites.

"I think it'll be a terrific draw for both local and regional reasons," Hershman said. "The key to our downtown is transit-oriented development."

Hershman met with a Comfort Inn executive in the last two weeks and the hotelier seemed receptive to the concept of a convention center, Hershman said. New signs are also expected to be planted on Highway 101 advertising the city's hotels.

Another new development of 100 live and work lofts has also been proposed on a lot just north of the Millbrae Pancake House at 1301 El Camino Real.

Many local leaders attended the speech early Thursday morning in a new conference room in the Millbrae Public Library.

Mark Church, a former Millbrae mayor who is now a San Mateo County supervisor, said a potential convention center is "a great idea if it can be accomplished."

Hershman said the success of newer businesses like Trader Joe's and In-N-Out Burger has prompted other firms to consider Millbrae.

A year ago the city pulled money from its reserve to cover some costs, but voters passed a fire assessment tax last summer and a stronger economy has allowed it to renew a third of that debt in the last six months, Hershman said. A $300,000 gift to Mills High School for improved fields will also benefit residents, he said, and Millbrae is considering merging its recreation department with neighboring Burlingame.

Marge Colapietro, a Millbrae resident and close observer of local government, said she was heartened to hear good news from the city after hearing so much of city job losses and a lukewarm economy. She had not yet made a decision on whether the recreation departments should merge.

"I wish we could keep our community whole," she said.

Stephen Baxter can be reached by e-mail at stephen@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.